BACK-TO-SCHOOL IEP CHECK-IN How to Make Sure Your Child’s Plan Is Ready for a Successful Year

BY MARIA GIANCOTTI, M.ED. - STUDENT ADVOCACY MICHIGAN

As summer winds down, many parents of children with IEPs begin to feel that familiar mix of hope, worry, and urgency. A new school year brings new teachers, new routines, and often new challenges. But one thing shouldn’t be left to chance: your child’s IEP.

Whether your child is entering kindergarten or high school, the IEP is meant to be a living, working plan designed to support their learning. And the truth is, a lot can fall through the cracks over the summer, from staffing changes to service lapses. That’s why a back-to-school IEP check-in is one of the most powerful advocacy steps you can take.

1. Review the IEP Before School Starts

Before the school year begins, take 30 minutes to re-read your child’s most recent IEP. Focus on:

• Present levels of performance – Are they accurate and recent? Do they reflect your child’s strengths and challenges as you know them today?

• Goals – Are they specific, measurable, and meaningful?

• Services – Does your child still need what’s listed (e.g., speech therapy, OT, behavior support)? Are there services that need to be added?

• Accommodations – Will these be relevant in their new grade level or classroom setting? Mark any red flags or concerns so you can raise them quickly with the team.

2. Ask Who’s Responsible

Don’t assume school staff have reviewed your child’s IEP or that all supports will automatically be in place. Schools often experience staff turnover, and key information can be lost during transitions.

Send a short email to your child’s case manager or special education coordinator asking:

• Who will be delivering your child’s services?

• Has the IEP been shared with all general education teachers?

• Is your child’s 1:1 aide (if applicable) confirmed and trained?

• This simple step helps ensure there’s a plan on Day 1, not weeks into the school year.

3. Write a Parent Input Statement

Under IDEA, parents are equal members of the IEP team, and your voice matters. One way to ensure it is heard is to write a short “Parent Input Statement” at the beginning of the school year. This can include:

• Your child’s strengths and interests

• What has worked in the past

• Current concerns (academic, behavioral, emotional)

• What goals you’d like the team to prioritize

Email it to your child’s team and ask for it to be added to the IEP or student file.

4. Clarify Behavior Support Before Issues Arise

If your child has a history of behavioral challenges, make sure the IEP includes:

• A clear Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), if needed

• Positive supports, not just punishment

• Accommodations to prevent dysregulation (e.g., breaks, sensory tools)

If these are missing, you have a right to request an IEP meeting at any time to address behavior proactively, before discipline becomes an issue.

5. Check Transportation and Transition Details

If your child receives special transportation, confirm routes, pickup times, and any needed supports (like a 1:1 aide on the bus). If your child is moving to a new building or classroom, ask if they can tour the space before school starts to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.

6. Know What to Do If the IEP Isn’t Being Followed

Keep track of what’s happening during the first few weeks: Are services being delivered as written?

Are accommodations being honored in class?

Is your child making progress?

If you notice gaps, document them in writing and reach out to the school immediately. If the issue isn’t resolved quickly, request an IEP meeting in writing.

7. Remember: You’re the Expert on Your Child

The start of the school year is overwhelming for everyone, but don’t let that stop you from advocating. You are the consistent thread across grades, buildings, and years. You see the big picture. Your input, questions, and concerns are not interruptions, they’re essential.

Final Thought

A strong school year begins with a strong IEP, and that begins with you. By taking a few proactive steps in August, you can ensure your child’s IEP is not just a document on file, but a plan in action. If you need assistance with your child’s IEP, call us at 248-372-9770 or access us through our website at www. studentadvocacymi.com.